Transfer News: Ronald Koeman Sets Deadline for Nathaniel Clyne Contract Decision

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has given Nathaniel Clyne a deadline to decide on his future at the club.

The right-back has one year remaining on his contract, according to Transfermarkt, and Saints may be forced into a sale this summer should he fail to commit his future.

Clyne has shot to prominence for Southampton this season, playing a starring role as the club continue to compete for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

However, they’re likely to miss out on Champions League qualification, and Clyne has already stated it would be a “dream” to play in the competition, per BBC.

Clyne therefore appears to be stalling on signing a new deal at St Mary’s, but boss Koeman wants the situation resolved by the first week of May.

The Dutchman said, per the Press Association (via the Guardian):

"

Of course we have to do everything to keep the player in the team but I like to know it as soon as possible – not in the last week of the season but earlier on.

I mentioned April but by the end of April, the first week of May, it’s good to know something about his situation.

[...]

Nobody knocked on the door with an offer for Clyne but we know he has one season on his contract and we want Clyne to stay at the club.

"

According to Adam Leitch, chief sports writer of the Southern Daily Echo—who covers Southampton extensively—reports claiming Manchester United have already agreed to sign the full-back are untrue.

United are, however, believed to be interested in Clyne, who is expected to be sold for at least £15 million if Southampton decide to cash in.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph suggests Chelsea are also weighing up the prospect of lodging a bid for the player this summer, while Liverpool will be in the market for a new right-back as Glen Johnson prepares to leave the club.

Clyne is now a full England international after making his debut against Slovenia at Wembley earlier in the season, picking up four caps in total amid a breakthrough campaign for the former Crystal Palace defender.